What’s inside:
This article talks about how the Railway Protection Force (RPF) stopped a wildlife smuggling attempt at Gaya Junction, recovering 48 live tortoises.
In a recent event at Gaya Junction, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) successfully stopped a big wildlife smuggling attempt. This happened late on Saturday night when a team was patrolling the area. They discovered 48 live tortoises hidden in a coach of the Doon Express train.
The operation was part of ‘Operation Willep’, which aims to combat wildlife smuggling. The RPF team, led by Inspector Banarasi Yadav, found two suspicious plastic sacks in the S-7 coach of the train. Upon checking, they found the tortoises inside and took immediate action.
Passengers nearby were questioned, but none claimed the sacks or the tortoises. Since tortoises are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the RPF took all the animals to their post and informed the local forest department. The market value of the recovered tortoises is around Rs 24 lakh.
This successful operation shows the RPF’s commitment not just to railway safety, but also to wildlife protection. Recently, they also seized 178 tortoises from another train. Such actions are meant to deter wildlife smugglers and ensure the safety of these vulnerable animals.
The recovered tortoises were handed over to the forest department for further care. The RPF’s quick response has highlighted their active role in protecting wildlife and maintaining safety in the railways.
Summary:
- RPF stopped a wildlife smuggling attempt at Gaya Junction.
- They recovered 48 live tortoises from the Doon Express train.
- No passengers claimed the tortoises or sacks.
- The market value of the tortoises is about Rs 24 lakh.
- RPF continues to focus on wildlife protection along with railway safety.
